Why two identical vessels can have completely different fuel consumption
On the surface, it seems hard to understand.
Two ships of the same class. Identical engines. Same route. Similar load. And yet one burns through more fuel than the other.
This is not an unusual occurrence for those managing a fleet of ships.
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses in any voyage, and efficiency in consumption is of utmost importance. However, although people tend to think that fuel consumption is mainly driven by engine parameters, the reality is quite different.
Often, two identical ships have significant differences in efficiency and knowing the reasons why might help decrease costs and optimize operations.
Engine alone does not tell the whole story
Fuel consumption increases, and the first thing operators think about is the engine.
While engine health definitely plays a role here, it is never the full answer.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of interlinked factors, which influence each other every single day during the journey.
It may be surprising how many little things can actually add up and cause increased fuel burning.
Maintenance can make a much larger difference than most people realize
Even ships that have the same designs can age at different rates.
A ship with well-maintained engines, well-maintained fuel systems, calibrated instruments, and routinely maintained parts will function much more effectively than the one in which maintenance is done on an irregular basis.
Simple issues such as clogged filters, worn injectors, or malfunctioning auxiliary parts can result in increased fuel usage, although they may not draw immediate attention.
In fact, such problems usually build up very gradually, and it is only when increased fuel costs reveal their presence that they come to light.
Hull condition is just as important as engine power
Perhaps the single most undervalued source of increased fuel consumption is located beneath the waterline.
Barnacles, bio-films, corrosion of the hull surface, and any other conditions that make the hull less hydrodynamic can increase resistance and slow down the vessel’s movement.
The engine has to work harder and use more fuel to compensate for the added drag.
The hidden influence of auxiliary power systems
It is not only propulsion that dictates the consumption of fuel.
All auxiliary power systems of a ship assist in navigation, communications, pumps, lighting, air conditioning, and cargo handling, among others. If these systems are less efficient than expected, then they also impose an extra load on the ship’s generators.
In time, low-efficiency generators, old electrical installations, or inadequate power management will significantly affect fuel usage.
Sometimes the factor separating one ship from another is not their output but their efficiency.
The human factor comes into play
While technology contributes to efficiency, humans matter too.
Vessel speed control, navigation, loading of the engine, weather routing, and operation on board will all affect fuel consumption.
Even small differences in how one vessel performs against another can lead to considerable differences in the end.
Efficient operations come from having proper equipment alongside consistent practices and performance monitoring.
The data has the answer
There is no lack of data available from modern vessels, which offer great insights on fuel usage.
Engine logs, fuel monitoring systems, consumption of electricity, and maintenance logs can help spot some trends not easily identifiable during regular work.
Very frequently, issues related to the use of fuel are actually caused by maintenance problems, operational inefficiencies, or power balance issues.
All the necessary data is available, what makes a difference is knowing how to interpret it.
XANTHIS S.A. solutions for operational optimization
Here at XANTHIS S.A., we know that optimizing fuel use is not just about one thing. It involves understanding the interplay between several different systems and ensuring they perform properly.
With decades of expertise in marine and industrial power, we enable the optimization of key power systems. Whether it is power generation or electrical infrastructure, maintenance, or technical assistance, our solutions will enable efficient performance and dependability.
When fuel use really counts, everything does.
Looking beyond the specifications
In theory, two boats may appear the same. But, in practice, things can look entirely different.
The consumption of fuel is affected by many things other than the size of the engines and the design of the boats themselves. The efficiency of maintenance, energy consumption systems, the state of hulls, decision-making, and even the efficiency of onboard systems all factor into the amount of fuel that a boat consumes.
This is why knowledge of these processes is crucial for better operation of your vessel.
At XANTHIS S.A., we strive to help marine operators get the knowledge they need in order to optimize their operations and ensure higher performance and reduced fuel consumption.
